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Garleton Lodge brought to market for £1.85m

Garleton Lodge brought to market for £1.85m

The Great Southern Killarney unveils new brand identity 

The Great Southern Killarney unveils new brand identity 

Virgin Hotels Collection appoints two senior food and beverage directors

Virgin Hotels Collection appoints two senior food and beverage directors

The Great Southern Killarney unveils new brand identity 

The Great Southern Killarney unveils new brand identity 

The historic property has undergone the rebranding following extensive renovations

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The Great Southern Killarney has unveiled a new brand identity following a series of significant renovations and its recent achievement of a five-star rating. 

Originally opened in 1854 as Ireland’s first purpose-built railway hotel, the property has rebranded under the theme ‘Splendour, Untamed’. 

The repositioning follows extensive investment across the property, including upgrades to guestrooms, public spaces, dining offerings, and event facilities.

As part of the project, the hotel has introduced a refreshed visual identity and campaign creative led by agency SEA, alongside a new website and brand video. The interiors feature a colour palette inspired by the local landscape and updated typography.

The refreshed positioning places a stronger focus on immersive guest experiences connected to the natural beauty and culture of Killarney. Curated offerings include guided foraging tours with local experts, photography experiences through Killarney National Park, and wellness activities.

The hotel has also recently launched Arbour, a brasserie-style restaurant. The dining space centres around refined classics and seasonal dishes sourced from County Kerry producers, combining original architectural features with views of the hotel’s six-acre private gardens.

The Great Southern Killarney unveils new brand identity 

Design partner at SEA, Bryan Edmondson, said: “The spirit of The Great Southern Killarney is conveyed with a brand story and visual identity that truly reflects its rich past and ambitious future. The colour palette is inspired by the wild landscape and the typography conveys an authentic voice with elegance and modernity in equal measure. This brand project has been a true collaboration with the hotel team and an exciting one to help bring to life.”

General manager at the Great Southern Killarney, Jamie Power, added: “As The Great Southern Killarney continues to evolve, it is important that our brand reflects the unique balance of rich heritage, adventure and contemporary luxury that defines a stay here. Killarney is a truly unique destination, but it is our people who bring it to life. 

“The warmth, personality and genuine hospitality of our team sit at the heart of every guest experience and is remembered long after they leave. This rebrand, alongside achieving five-star status, is a significant milestone for the hotel and is a true reflection of its spirit.”

Managing director of the Scally Hotel Collection, Michael Jacobi, concluded: “Securing five-star status and unveiling our new brand positioning marks a defining moment for The Great Southern Killarney and for the wider Scally Hotel Collection. 

“We are incredibly proud of what the team has created: a luxury experience that honours the rich heritage of this iconic hotel. ‘Splendour, Untamed’ perfectly captures the energy that makes the hotel such a special destination for guests from around the world.”

Rebranding as a trend in luxury hotels

In Context

The unveiling of a new brand identity for The Great Southern Killarney, driven by a focus on immersive guest experiences and local culture, reflects a broader industry trend. For instance, in July 2023, The Montenotte in Cork launched a rebranding campaign that also emphasised its unique character and experience, stating, “it is crucially important that our branding clearly reflects the unique experience we aim to weave for our customers.” The Montenotte reveals new brand identity.

Both properties are responding to changing consumer expectations in the luxury sector, as seen again with the recent refurbishments and branding updates at Culloden Estate and Spa, which recently completed a £600,000 upgrade alongside a refreshed visual identity. This alignment indicates a commitment across multiple establishments to embrace modern aesthetics and redefine guest experiences, illustrating a significant shift in how luxury hospitality communicates its value. Culloden Estate & Spa unveils £600k refurb.

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